The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has rejected a request from the Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, to recall Members of Parliament ahead of the December general elections. Bagbin insisted that parliamentary activities will remain on hold until after the elections, emphasizing that this period is critical for political parties and candidates to engage with the electorate.

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In a memo to the majority caucus on Wednesday, November 27, Speaker Bagbin stated: “The House will resume sitting after the elections to complete all essential matters before a seamless transition to the 9th Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana.”He added that the national interest would be better served if Members of Parliament adhered to principles of “honour, empathy, and humility” in the execution of their duties.

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Bagbin concluded by declining the request, stating: “In the circumstances, I am neither inclined nor disposed to exercise my discretion in favour of your request. The request is accordingly declined.”The Speaker also reminded Afenyo-Markin of the parliamentary calendar, which recognizes the election campaign period as a time for parties and candidates to present their manifestoes and account for their stewardship.

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“This season is for the government, parties, and both presidential and parliamentary candidates to present their manifestoes to the people and to account and justify the mandate given them by the voters for the four-year term of office has been applied to the benefit of the people,” he noted.

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The Majority Leader’s petition, invoking Standing Orders 57(3) and 58(4), had stressed the urgency of reconvening Parliament to address unresolved legislative matters. However, the request follows a series of failed recalls earlier this year, including one on November 7, which was adjourned indefinitely after several New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs failed to attend the session.

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NDC MPs have opposed the latest recall request, citing concerns over its timing just days before the elections.“With barely eleven days to the elections, a recall at this time will only exacerbate the unresolved stalemate that has persisted in recent times,” a memo from the NDC caucus emphasized. “We must avoid anything that could disturb the peace of our country and the stability of our democracy.

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Instead, let us prioritize the conduct of credible, peaceful, free, and fair elections at this stage.”<img src="

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